THE CASE OF THE MISSING WILL BY AGATHA CHRISTIE

Agatha Christie (1890-1976)

Agatha Christie was an English detective novelist and playwright. She wrote some 75 novels, including 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. Christie is perhaps the world's most famous mystery writer and is one of the best-selling novelists of all time. Her important works include:

Murder on the Orient Express (1934)

A Murder Is Announced (1950)

Death on the Nile (1937)

The ABC Murders (1936 ) etc.

Let's learn new words...

Stacked: Arranged in a neat way, one on top of another.

Manor: A large, old house with a lot of land around it.

Disposal: Getting rid of something you don't need.

Wits: Quick thinking or smart ideas.

Concealed: Hidden or kept out of sight.

Cabinet: A piece of furniture with doors or drawers to store things inside.

Offend: To upset or hurt someone's feelings by what you say or do.

Elapsed: Time that has passed or gone by.

Cavity: A hole or empty space, especially in a tooth.

Brisk: Quick and full of energy.

Confectioner: A person who makes or sells sweets and candies.

Fetch: To go and bring something back.

Charred: Burned or blackened from fire.

Stiff: Not bending easily; hard or difficult to move.

Foresaw: To know or predict something before it happens.

Answers to comprehension questions (Page 84)

A. 1. Mr Andrew Marsh

2. Girton

3. March 25, 11 a.m.

4. “Key of Roll-top Desk”

5. Crabtree Manor

6. The Second will was signed by Mr. and Mrs. Baker and the original will was signed by Mr and Mrs. Pikes.

B. 1. a. Uncle Andrew to Miss Violet

b. The speaker resisted Miss Violet from pursuing education, but she didn’t give in and decided to leave for Girton to continue her education. So, Uncle Andrew said these words to Miss Violet.

2. a. Uncle Andrew’s challenge to Miss Violet on proving her wits.

b. Poirot and Hastings

3. a. The Bakers

b. After the Bakers had signed the second will as witnesses.

c. He went out to pay tradesmen’s books.

4. a. ‘I’ refers to Hastings, and ‘we’ refers to Hastings and Poirot.

b. They were standing on the platform at Taunton. While they were on the train, suddenly Poirot found a solution to the mystery of the missing will, and they travelled back to find it out. Hence, they got down from the train at Taunton.

c. They left for Crabtree Manor and found the missing will.

Section C

1. The Pikes were the witnesses in the final, genuine will.

2. Poirot and Hastings suspected that Mr Marsh probably made a secret safe to hide the will.

Based on the words of Mrs Baker, men were hired from a firm in Plymouth to do the work.

So, they went in search of the workers to Plymouth and found the firm as well as the workers.

3. Miss Violet

Miss Violet Marsh is a tall, confident, and determined young woman. She is smart, hardworking, and values education. Despite her uncle's old-fashioned views about women's roles, she chose to follow her own path by pursuing higher studies. Violet is independent and strong-willed, ready to face challenges to prove her abilities. Even though her uncle's will seems unfair, she accepts it as a challenge and seeks help from Poirot to find a hidden clue. Violet is respectful towards her uncle's wishes but firmly believes she can prove herself through her intelligence and determination.

4. Mr Marsh misled his niece and the detectives by creating an illusion of having both his wills signed by the Bakers, while the genuine one was signed by the Pikes later, with the disappearing ink.

REVISION QUESTIONS

Why does Violet Marsh ask Poirot for help?

What problem does Violet face with her uncle’s will?

Where does Poirot go to find clues about the missing will?

What clue does Poirot find in the room?

What does Poirot learn about the repairs made in the fireplace?

Where does Poirot think the missing will might be hidden?

What does Poirot find when he searches near the fireplace?

How did Poirot reveal the contents of the missing will?

How does Poirot’s discovery help Violet get her uncle’s property?

Rearrange the following sentences in the correct order to summarize the main events of The Case of the Missing Will:

The new will states that Andrew Marsh left the entire property to Violet Marsh.

Poirot cleverly places the envelope near the fire, revealing faint letters that confirm the contents of the missing will.

Poirot and his friend Hastings visit Crabtree Manor, where her uncle lived, to investigate.

Miss Violet Marsh visits Poirot for help because her uncle, Andrew Marsh, left a challenging will.

He becomes suspicious when he finds out that repairs were made in the study two years ago.

After investigating, Poirot finds a small hidden compartment near the fireplace, but it only contains a charred fragment of paper.

The will states that if Violet does not prove her wisdom within one year, the entire property will go to a charity.

Poirot learns that there were two wills, but the second one, which might favor Violet, is missing.

Violet, though unsure how to meet the challenge, wants to honor her uncle’s wishes and asks Poirot to help.

Poirot suspects the missing will is hidden near the fireplace, where the workers made some adjustments.

Violet, though unsure how to meet the challenge, wants to honor her uncle’s wishes and asks Poirot to help.

Poirot also finds an envelope attached to the key of a drawer, but the contents remain unclear.

Answer

Miss Violet Marsh visits Poirot for help because her uncle, Andrew Marsh, left a challenging will.

The will states that if Violet does not prove her wisdom within one year, the entire property will go to a charity.

Violet, though unsure how to meet the challenge, wants to honour her uncle’s wishes and asks Poirot to help.

Poirot and his friend Hastings visit Crabtree Manor, where her uncle lived, to investigate.

Poirot learns that there were two wills, but the second one, which might favour Violet, is missing.

Poirot also finds an envelope attached to the key of a drawer, but the contents remain unclear.

He becomes suspicious when he finds out that repairs were made in the study two years ago.

Poirot suspects the missing will is hidden near the fireplace, where the workers made some adjustments.

After investigating, Poirot finds a small hidden compartment near the fireplace, but it only contains a charred fragment of paper.

Although the evidence seems lost, Poirot doesn’t give up and returns to the house alone.

Poirot cleverly places the envelope near the fire, revealing faint letters that confirm the contents of the missing will.

STATE WHETHER THE HIGHLIGHTED PART IS PHRASE OR CLAUSE

The cat slept on the soft pillow.
He left the party because he was feeling unwell.
After the rain stopped, we went outside.
She enjoys playing the guitar in her free time.
While the children were playing, the teacher prepared a lesson.
The book on the table belongs to John.
If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
He drove to the market to buy some fruits.
Since he arrived early, he helped set up the chairs.
Sarah ran quickly through the park.
She looked at me with a confused expression.
Before the sun rises, we need to leave.
They decided to postpone the meeting.
He waved his hand as if he knew me.
Walking along the beach, they found a seashell.
She was upset because she missed the bus.
Under the old oak tree, they had a picnic.
He apologized for being late.
When the bell rang, the students ran out of the class.
Trying to fix the broken fan, he hurt his finger.

CONJUNCTION NOTE LINK: CLICK HERE

QUIZ SESSION 2

Quiz: Types of Conjunctions (30 Questions)

Part 1: Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS – For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)

Complete the sentences with the appropriate coordinating conjunction.

I wanted to go to the party, ______ I had a lot of homework to do. (Hint: Contrast)
You can have pasta, ______ you can have a sandwich. (Hint: Choice)
She was tired, ______ she kept working until late. (Hint: Shows result)
I wanted to help, ______ I didn’t know how to start. (Hint: Problem or conflict)
The children were playing in the park, ______ their parents were watching nearby. (Hint: Adding another activity)
Do you want to go now, ______ should we wait until the rain stops? (Hint: Choice between two options)
It was getting dark, ______ we decided to head home. (Hint: Shows reason or result)
He can’t swim, ______ can he ride a bike. (Hint: Negative addition)
I studied for the exam, ______ I didn’t feel prepared. (Hint: Shows contradiction)
I love basketball, ______ I don’t have time to play it often. (Hint: Contrast)
I took an umbrella, ______ it looked like it might rain. (Hint: Giving a reason)

Part 2: Subordinating Conjunctions (Because, Although, When, Since, If, Unless, Until, etc.)

Fill in the blank with a suitable subordinating conjunction.

I stayed home ______ it started to rain. (Hint: Reason)
We will go hiking ______ the weather is good tomorrow. (Hint: Condition)
He kept reading the book ______ it was very late. (Hint: Despite a condition)
She was smiling ______ she received the award. (Hint: Time event)
You can’t leave ______ you finish your lunch. (Hint: Time condition)
I couldn’t attend the party ______ I had a cold. (Hint: Reason)
She waited patiently ______ the bus finally arrived. (Hint: Shows time)
We must complete the project ______ the deadline approaches. (Hint: Time limit)
______ he was tired, he continued working on the project. (Hint: Contrast)
You’ll do well on the test ______ you study hard. (Hint: Condition)

Part 3: Correlative Conjunctions (Either...or, Neither...nor, Both...and, Not only...but also, etc.)

Fill in the blank with the correct pair of correlative conjunctions.

______ Sara ______ Emma are invited to the party. (Hint: Both are included)
He is ______ intelligent ______ hardworking. (Hint: Two positive qualities)
______ the coach ______ the players were satisfied with the performance. (Hint: Neither group was happy)
I want to visit ______ Japan ______ Australia during the holidays. (Hint: Two travel options)
______ did she forget her keys, ______ she left her phone at home too. (Hint: Both happened)
We can go to ______ the library ______ the park this afternoon. (Hint: Two possible options)
______ his parents ______ his teachers were pleased with his improvement. (Hint: Both were pleased)
The students are working hard ______ in class ______ at home. (Hint: Two places where effort is shown)
He will buy ______ a laptop ______ a tablet for his studies. (Hint: One of two items)
The movie was ______ boring ______ too long. (Hint: Two negative qualities)

PHRASE AND CLAUSE

Identify the underlined parts as Phrase or Clause

The bird flew over the tall trees.

Before the sun rose, the campers packed their tents.

He laughed at the funny joke.

Although it was late, they continued working on the project.

The flowers in the garden are blooming.

Because she forgot her keys, she had to wait outside.

The baby slept through the noisy storm.

When the phone rang, he jumped up from his chair.

The car with the broken headlight needs repairs.

After they finished dinner, they went for a walk.

She looked under the couch for her lost earring.

Even though he was nervous, he gave a great presentation.

The cat hid behind the curtains.

As soon as the bell rang, the students packed up.

The old house on the corner was sold last week.

Independent Clause:

An independent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb, and it expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

Dependent Clause:

A dependent clause also has a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thought. It depends on an independent clause to complete its meaning. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.

She went to the park because she wanted some fresh air.

Independent Clause: She went to the park
Dependent Clause: because she wanted some fresh air

I finished my homework, although I was feeling tired.

Independent Clause: I finished my homework
Dependent Clause: although I was feeling tired

They are watching a movie when the phone rang.

Independent Clause: They are watching a movie
Dependent Clause: when the phone rang

The dog barked loudly if someone came to the door.

Independent Clause: The dog barked loudly
Dependent Clause: if someone came to the door

We went to the beach after we packed our bags.

Independent Clause: We went to the beach
Dependent Clause: after we packed our bags

IDENTIFY THE DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT CLAUSES FROM THE BELOW.

After the meeting ended, we went for lunch.

I stayed at home because it was too cold outside.

When the sun rises, the birds start singing.

She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.

Although he was tired, he finished his work on time.

If I finish my homework early, I will go to the park.

They will arrive soon unless there is a delay.

Even though he was nervous, he gave a great presentation.

We went to the movies after we finished dinner.

While waiting for the bus, I listened to music.

New

Limerick

A limerick is a five-line funny poem with a strict rhyme scheme AABBA.

The Haiku

The haiku is a Japanese poetic form that consists of three lines, with five syllables ( a single unit of speech) in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third. It is usually about nature.